Behind today’s music: “Spring is here, I hear…”

Resurrection, restoration, rebirth…these words all have connotations of starting over and overcoming the past, and evokes both hope and inspiration for the future. We are continually encountering new seasons of renewal in our personal life, our spiritual journey, our communities, and in the world around us – new “Springs” in every aspect of our lives.

Today’s prelude and music for meditation come from Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous Sonata number 5 in F major for piano and violin. Affectionately known as the “Spring Sonata”, this picee makes Beethoven’s great love of nature abundantly clear. Beethoven felt that the presence of God was reinforced by the natural world around him, and it is in works like the Spring Sonata that we can feel a more spiritual side of Beethoven – as well as his thoughtfulness and humor. The first movement’s gentle lyricism suggests the beauty and freshness of spring, and grows into a sprightly exuberance that seemed like a great way to begin the service together. The second movement, a simple and flowing adagio, is introverted and elegant – ideal for moments of reflection and meditation.

Today’s service ended with the Allegro from Vivaldi’s beloved La Primavera from “The Four Seasons”. Spring practically explodes off the page with every note, as seen below. (Descriptions are taken from the accompanying sonnets for this work; author unknown.)

“Spring has arrived merrily”

“the birds hail her with happy song”

“and meanwhile, at the breath of the Zephyrs the streams flow with a sweet murmur:”

“Thunder and lightning, chosen to proclaim her come covering the sky with a black mantle”